![A class of Woodcrest kindergarten student holding their homemade bags and smiling]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1559838440/springlakeparkschoolsorg/nrd18tajzo70hdbtu4wk/WC_kinder_bags_5220_online.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1559838440/springlakeparkschoolsorg/nrd18tajzo70hdbtu4wk/WC_kinder_bags_5220_online.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1559838440/springlakeparkschoolsorg/nrd18tajzo70hdbtu4wk/WC_kinder_bags_5220_online.jpg","width":800}])
For the past two school years, Woodcrest Spanish Immersion kindergarten teacher Sharina Meinholz has hand sewn tote bags for her students with each bag pattern reflecting something they love or that reflects their personality.
“I never sew two bags alike,” said Meinholz. “I have dedicated so much time to these bags, and every second was worth it as I am so happy to have found a wonderful community here in SLP.”
Meinholz’s love for sewing started at an early age when she was homeschooled by her grandma and has continued to be a passion. From a cheetah print bag for a student who wears cheetah print every day and a cat unicorn bag for a student who draws cat unicorns every day to a Dinosaur bag for a student who loves dinosaurs, Meinholz thoughtfully created the bags based on knowing each student by name, strength, interest and need.
Inside their bags, students found books and puzzles to take with them into the summer and a personalized handwritten note from Meinholz.
“They are all so special to me and this is just a small token of my appreciation for them,” she said.
After opening their gifts, shouts of joy and exclamations including “this is the best day ever,” and “wow, I love it” rang throughout the room as students showed off their bags and ran to hug Meinholz in appreciation.
